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COLONIAL BEAU 


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THE BACHELOR GIRL’S 
COLONIAL BEAU 


BY 

ANNE z 1 1 ^ 



NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON 

THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1904 






Copyright, 1904 
BY 

The Neale Publishing Co. 


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TO MY MOTHER 





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CONTENTS 


Chapter Pagk 

I. New Year’s Eve 9 

II. The Colonial Ball 16 

III. My Colonial Beau 21 

IV. The Second Visit 28 

V. Clubs 33 

VI. Speculating in Stocks 38 

VII. The White House 42 

VIII. Spiritualism and Christian Science... 47 

IX. Lent 52 

X. The Secret 55 


XI. Anne Appears Again 


57 



THE BACHELOR GIRL’S 
COLONIAL BEAU 


CHAPTER I 

NEW YEARNS EVE 

On New Year’s Eve, 1903, the conversation 
of a gay little party watching the old year out 
naturally turned to the coming year 1904. One 
bright young man exclaimed : 

“Next year is leap year — chance for old 
maids.” 

Of course there were no old maids present, 
but the modern bachelor-girl was there, and at 
once became a champion for her sisters. 

A lively discussion followed as to what age 
a woman should reach before she should be 
truthfully spoken of as an old maid — “that 
woman is as old as she looks and feels,” etc. 
It was admitted by all that the old-fashioned 
old maid had passed into history; that there 
was none whom all the world pitied, but in 
her place was a woman with a nature full of 


10 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


sunshine — the broad-minded, intellectual, gen- 
erous woman. 

I informed the company that the bachelor- 
girl was now the vogue and a welcome addition 
to any household, and that she did not need the 
assistance of leap year, for she is sought; but 
she chooses discreetly and sometimes not at all. 

“Her single-blessedness,” I said, “does not 
bar her from society; on the contrary, her 
heart, fancy free, usually brings scores of men 
and women friends to her side. Her knowledge 
of how to ‘hoe her own row’ has moved her 
from the fireside-darning spinster into a real 
live, lovable American bachelor-maid.” I had 
said much and was glad when music was 
introduced. 

We had music and dancing, and then our 
palms read by an excellent reader. The com- 
pany was very jolly when the peal came that 
marked the time the Old Year had passed and 
the New was before us. Good-by, old year, 
good-by. You are silent now and we close our 
memory to all but the good and joy of the 
past. We sang in the New Year, then drank 
to the year 1904, danced some more and finally, 
exhausted but happy, we separated for the 
night at 1 A. M., I, the bachelor-girl, to go to 


Colonial Beau 


11 


my tiny hall-room and meditate on all I had 
said to the company about the independent, 
free lives of bachelor-maids. 

This is really all there is to it, just this tiny 
room. I look around and think it a pretty 
dainty corner, to be sure. There is my little 
desk, and no one ever disturbs it. My dresser 
is covered with all the pretty dressing articles 
loved by ladies. There are two chairs and a 
small table, with work basket, for the busy 
bread-winner sometimes sews and darns stock- 
ings. Then I have a comfortable couch-bed, 
ornamented with pretty pillows, making the 
room a little sitting-room. The walls are lined 
with pictures, many from travel in Europe, and 
my eye rests a long time on the little water 
scene of Antwerp, showing the Cathedral tower 
in the distance. In this Cathedral we saw the 
great masterpieces by Rubens. This picture is 
a favorite, as it represents my first purchase out 
of America. There is much bric-a-brac and 
many pictures, all souvenirs from travel, sug- 
gesting pleasure and enjoyment. But the gem 
of all the room is the small oil painting of the 
blessed old mother, who no doubt has been 
asleep for the past three hours, in her large, 
old-fashioned bed in the great room in that 


12 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


plantation home in Dixie-land. The log in the 
fireplace may roll and crackle a little, the dog 
in the great yard may bark as some sound from 
a distance reaches his ear, but all else is silent — 
life there is full of peace. This mother’s por- 
trait fills the room with her presence of love 
at all times, and so I am never alone. 

The hands of my little French clock point to 
1.30 A. M., but I just must dream a little. I 
gave them a good lecture down in the parlor 
about our superior advantages. I am very 
care-free and independent, but after all, can I 
claim all I said. I have this one little room, 
which is 9x12. I can move the chairs, pictures, 
etc., in this room, but no place else in all the 
world. No one disturbs my things, but maybe 
I wish they did. Some little hands might put 
everything in disorder and I would love it that 
way. 

I have a picture-home, in which all is com- 
plete. I frequently allow my fancy to furnish 
this home, and will linger for hours selecting 
china, linen, rugs, etc. I have selected recipes 
enough to make a cook-book — for I am ambi- 
tious to learn to cook well. The very atmos- 
phere of this dear little home is full of love and 
joy, and the longing for the realization haunts 


Colonial Beau 


13 


me. I can even hear the tea kettle sing merrily 
in the clean little kitchen, to make tea for the 
husband whom I love dearly and of whose suc- 
cess I am so proud, for I love all his ambitions 
and interests. There are in this home little ones 
to direct, love and teach. Bachelor-girls do not 
forget the lessons of home — they are such as 
make the heart pure, honest and strong. 

We are all dreamers, but are we strong 
enough to admit our reveries ? I believe every 
one takes a dreaming cruise sometimes. It 
rests me to forget the every-day routine. My 
dreams change shape and are new to me, but 
they are mostly about a home. That fancy of 
mine has wandered a long way tonight while 
there are those practical things needing my 
attention. Yes, the Charity Club — I must see 
about those wrappers being made for the poor 
patients under the District Nurses, and there 
are those books and magazines to go to the 
minister in North Carolina. Then I must send 
the money for the ball ticket for the benefit of 
the Hospital. My literary club is to have a 
lecture next week on art — the History of 
Spanish Art. I know absolutely nothing on 
this subject and have had no time to read — let 
me see, yes I do know Spain has some choice 


14 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


paintings by Velasquez, and then probably they 
will talk about the swarthy Moors who wear 
brilliant sashes and turbans — and, oh dear! 
tomorrow I must get out my great-great- 
grandmother’s dress and see whether it is in 
order for the Colonial Ball. 

Well, well, so many club interests — after all, 
it must be best for me to have no home and 
family. How could I attend to my club inter- 
ests and a home ? My little room shines forth 
a pretty cozy corner, free from care. Yes, I 
do have a good time, with many pleasures and 
interesting friends. I am free to come and go 
as I please, and certainly have a good inde- 
pendent existence. My eye wanders around 
the room again and rests with love on all the 
dear little souvenirs. I do have to keep my hat 
boxes under my couch-bed, and dresses in a 
wardrobe in the hall, but I am in my room so lit- 
tle it makes no difference, and really the boxes 
under the bed are very close at hand. 

My little clock says 2 A. M., and I hasten 
to my couch, repeating that I am very free 
from care and ought to be very happy. I will 
not allow that other sentence — “that I am 
awfully alone” — to return and haunt me again, 
for it is a horrid thought. I will think more 


Colonial Beau 


15 


about that thought that once came to me in a 
field of daisies. I was standing in a thick 
patch and at a little distance was a clear space 
with just a few daisies scattered over, one daisy 
standing quite alone — how strong, large and 
beautiful that lone daisy had grown, and it 
came to me that a lone life should have the 
same advantages to grow strong and beautiful. 
Yes, I will endeavor to be like the lone daisy 
and grow strong and useful ; will cease to think 
about being alone. At twenty I wanted fame, 
fortune and many things, and had the energy 
for work, work, work which should bring some 
reward; while now at forty I seem to want 
peace and quiet and a home, and lack the 
necessary energy for work which brings suc- 
cessful results. 

The next day — New Year’s — was a bright, 
beautiful day. I dined with some dear friends 
and in the evening a few acquaintances called. 
The day passed pleasantly, for all holidays are 
enjoyed by bread-winners. 

The anticipated Colonial Ball was discussed 
several times during the day. Finally Mrs. 

, as a joke, made the suggestion that I 

capture one of the Minute-men in their Con- 
tinental uniforms. Wonder if I can? “You 
must have a beau,” said Mrs. . 


CHAPTER II 


THE COLONIAL BALL 

The Daughters of the American Revolution 
gave their first Colonial Ball on January 18, 
1904, at the Arlington Hotel. The National 
City was covered with a heavy snow, but un- 
daunted by ice and cold, I arrayed myself in 
the pink brocade gown worn by my great-great- 
grandmother at a dinner given to General La 
Fayette, at Salem, Mass. It is a handsome dress, 
made in true Colonial style. I dressed my 
hair very high and powdered it, and completed 
my toilet by disfiguring my face with two black 
patches. I truly did look strange for a busi- 
ness woman, an independent bachelor-girl, you 
know. I surveyed myself in the mirror and 
found my costume handsome and becoming. 
I practiced the old and graceful curtsy and 
finally marched forth with dignity to represent 

my great-great-grandmother, Anne . I 

started with enthusiasm and the expectation 
of a happy time, but one little shadow crossed 


Colonial Beau 


17 


my mind. Oh, dear ! I wish I was not expected 

to catch a Colonial beau. Mrs. will be 

very much disappointed if I do not, for you 
know she said I must have a beau, suggesting 
one of those Minute-men with their Continental 
uniforms. 

Wonder why it is my friends are always 
planning for me to have a beau and marry? 
I suppose it is because I have never had a home 
and often speak about the charm of an inde- 
pendent, simple little household, with flowers, 
china, etc. — a small home, but one’s own to 
plan and make a true, sweet place for the one 
you love. This is only womanly, the only 
complete life — but, dear me ! what about all my 
clubs and independence? 

The parlors of the Arlington were patrioti- 
cally and beautifully decorated. Our beautiful 
State Regent, Mrs. Main, represented Martha 
Washington, and a George Washington, a real 
descendant of the Washington family, repre- 
sented the father of our country. These char- 
acters were well taken, and all of the assembly 
will long remember our handsome “George and 
Martha.” 

My many women friends were generous in 
attention and compliments — club friends, you 


18 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


know. I was assigned to one of those Minute- 
men, dressed in complete Continental costume, 
for the Grand March and Virginia Reel. 
Really, that march and old-time reel, made up 
of people in Colonial costumes with the age of 
a century or more, presented a quaint, beautiful 
scene. It caused one to think of numerous 
ancient and honorable families returned to life 
after an absence of a century or more. I 
wonder if their spirits hovered near their body 
in form? If there is anything in our “Good 
Angel” we must have brought many to us on 
this occasion, for our actions and thoughts 
turned back more than a century to the balls of 
the Revolutionary period. 

I endeavored to talk to my Minute-man, but 
he said not a word, forcing me to do all the 
talking. You know men do not like women 
who talk, so I at once realized I could never 
make a favorable and lasting impression on 
that Minute-man. A general change came 
after the reel. I looked about and noticed 
there were but few uniforms left — the Minute- 
men had nearly all gone. Why? I felt quite 
helpless, for you know we do not have per- 
petual youth. I am fat and forty. How could 
I succeed with only a few Minute-men left? 


Colonial Beau 


19 


There were a good many men, but few in 
uniforms, and all were attached to pretty, 
attractive young ladies. 

While studying the situation I felt a hand 
on my shoulder, and before me stood Anne 

, a double of myself as to costume, but 

this figure was tall, dark, strong and handsome. 
I was so startled and trembled so I feared I 
might not be able to stand. Then a voice 
plainly said : “I am your Good Angel. I wish 
you to remember that I sent four men to the 
Revolutionary War — my husband and three 
sons — and I consider I was a soldier myself at 
home in providing and caring for the daughters 
and young son left behind.” She continued 
and told me much I had heard of her brave life. 
There was a pause and then I heard the voice 
again say plainly: “You shall have a beau.” 
Surely this sentence haunts me. I was startled 
and hastened to put my arm around a dear, 
motherly friend standing near, who turned and 
exclaimed: “You are just the person I want. 
I have a gentleman here I wish you would take 
care of. Dance with him and have him meet 

your friends.” So forthwith Mr. was 

sacrificed. We waltzed; he hopped and I fol- 
lowed; we just had a real old-fashioned hop- 


20 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


waltz of twenty years ago. He said it was fine 
and wanted to fill my card, but I objected, tell- 
ing him my instructions were to have him meet 
my friends. Other friends came, until I had 
danced quite enough. After a merry time I 
went home to dream of my failure to catch 
a Continental beau at the first Colonial Ball. 
Aside from my failure, the first Colonial Ball 
was a brilliant success, and the Daughters of 
the American Revolution say it will be repeated. 

The next morning I reported my failure to 

Mrs. , to which she responded : “You 

have to have a beau, and I will see that you 
have one.” This has become a household joke 
and general merriment always follows. I left 
the house for my busy day’s work, musing over 
the prospect of “having to have a beau.” I 
had made no mention of the ancestor’s message 
to me, but the voice of the spirit was constantly 
in my ears. This voice always presents peace 
and courage, yet I am startled and tremble. 
Did my ancestor Anne really visit me ? 


CHAPTER III 


MY COLONIAL BEAU 

The days passed quickly with work and a 
few pretty teas and receptions. Washington 
is crowded with social affairs from January i 
to the beginning of Lent. I had a beautiful 
new suit, so could manage to pay a few visits 
and imagine I occupied a little place in the 
gay, empty world. My friends are generous 
enough to include me in their social affairs, and 
in this way I have quite a glimpse of bright 
homes and the pleasure of meeting pleasant peo- 
ple. My clubs were very active at this season, 
so the days passed with many pleasures, until 
three weeks had flown by since the Colonial 
Ball. 

I have not heard that haunting sentence, 
“You must have a beau,” for two weeks, which 

has been a relief. Mrs. has only known 

me a few months, hence does not know that 
once I had a few gentlemen friends, but have 
not for some years. You know Washington 


22 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


gentlemen expect quite an amount of attention. 
You must invite them to your home to dine and 
to little card parties, and give them quite a 
little of your time. They may take you to the 
theatre once or twice and perhaps for a few 
car rides in the summer, then are satisfied that 
they have done their part. One experience of 
this kind lasts a long time and you hardly think 
it pays to give so much time without a real true 
interest. In other words, my club affairs take 
all my time. 

Four weeks had passed, when one evening 

Mrs. informed me that my Colonial beau 

had been found and would appear that evening. 

Being like others of my sex, I desired to be 
acceptable to men, so I hastened to don my 
most becoming dress, and sat down to dream 
a little. So I am really to have a Colonial 
beau! All this grows strange and ridiculous. 
I am really quite excited to see who is to be 
sacrificed. 

The world is full of fancy and hope even at 
forty. Every life is a drama of love and sor- 
row and each day has its joys and trials, still 
hope remains — it does not exhaust easily. 

There is one thing this beau must have and 
that is sunshine. I make it the prime requisite, 


Colonial Beau 


23 


for a real happy man is a sight worth seeing. 
Happiness is our right and we should refuse 
to let any one or anything cheat us of it. So 
the beau must possess sunshine and happiness. 
“The face keeps smooth when there is no sor- 
row in the heart.” 

I was summoned to the drawing-room and 

Mrs. presented my Colonial beau. I was 

instantly captivated. He was erect, perfect in 
figure and handsome in face — positively mag- 
nificent in his Continental costume. Mrs. 

told me I must appreciate his wearing the 
Continental costume, for it was very warm and 
heavy, but that she had stipulated that I was 
to have a Colonial beau, so he would be 
expected to always appear in uniform. I am 
sure I showed my delight, for I was charmed 
that I was to have regular visits from such a 
distinguished person. He inspired me with 
the greatest confidence and I seemed to have 
known him always. I was sure I could trust 
him with everything. He was dignified, quiet 
and peaceful, and had the sunshine which made 
his presence like the summer. I was certain 
he would never grow old nor change. 

I chattered away about books and my trips, 
and talked some about my clubs, but was a 


24 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


little cautious on the latter subject, as I had 
never possessed my own approval to extend too 
much into club work. I wanted to tell him 
my dreams of a home, but concluded that I 
must not this first visit, so I chatted on as 
merrily as I did in happy youth twenty years 
ago. Ah me! the mirror shows the brown 
hair is fast turning gray and the bloom of those 
days will not come again to the face, but I am 
determined that it shall never fade from my 
heart. The evening passed quickly and pleas- 
antly, and I was very happy, for I was to 
have his company whenever I desired. Just 
think, he will come when I wish — what a man ! 
I straightway asked him to come next evening, 
so separated supremely happy with the expecta- 
tions of a like visit for the morrow. 

I really think I shall fall in love with this 
man, and believe I could marry him; then 
immediately take another cruise in dreamland 
with that picture-home all so complete and full 
of joy, the one I have so longed to make for 
some one I could love. Could I make that 
earnest, gentle woman I hold as an ideal wife, 
who by her calm and kindness drives away all 
cares and shadows from the home? I must be 
sure I love in earnest, then all will be right. 


Colonial Beau 


25 


There is no sacrifice or condescension with true 
love. 

Tomorrow I will ask him about his politics, 
but that makes no difference, for I shall have 
him as my husband, whether good or bad. I 
am going to think the same as he does, for I 
am tired of thinking and deciding for myself. 
How about religion — wonder if I can do the 
same with that? Why, yes, of course I can. 
What am I a Unitarian for if I cannot change — 
that is how we become Unitarians. The word 
“Unitarian” carries my thoughts back to the 
little Congregational Church midst the pine 
trees in the little village in the far West — a 
brick church, with green shutters, built by New 
England people at the close of the Civil War, 
in the great desert of Kansas. I always see in 
this church John and James — that John, now 
so successful, with wife and children. He has 
made a very happy home and deserves all his 
blessings, for he is true and honest. 

James was brilliant and ambitious, and has 
successfully gone up the ladder step by step, 
and made money and achieved some prom- 
inence. He has a beautiful wife and family and 
seems to have everything, but has almost lived 
his life at forty-five. Far better had he some- 
times taken a cruise in dreamland as I do — it 
rests one. 


26 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


At the church are my brother and sister, 
together with a dozen other boys and girls. 
We are all boys and girls again, singing those 
dear old Congregational songs. The dearest 
of all was : 

“Lead, kindly Light, amid th’ encircling gloom, 
Lead Thou me on; 

The night is dark and I am far from home, 

Lead Thou me on.” 

Pause a moment! Whoever you be, you will 
hear those sweet strains in your distant mem- 
ory, and the pathos will touch your tenderest 
heart-cord. 

John and James both found their work and 
are successful. They are dear men, and I 
believe there is nothing in their power they 
would not do for me, for they seem at all times 
near me. I am quite their sister. Wonder if 
men realize the lasting affection of a sister; 
that the sister’s love is unselfish like the 
mother’s? These memories reach back over 
many years of pleasures and trials. Memories 
sometimes leave traces of tears, but such tears 
make one better and kinder. I like fancies 
better than memories — memories are gone, 
while fancies are building today; but fancy 
must stop while I take a journey to the land 
of Nod. 


Colonial Beau 


27 


What would John and James think of this 
little room, 9x12, with only a north window, 
and most of my clothes kept in boxes under 
my bed ? I look at my three hat boxes in a row 
under my couch-bed. They would not see all my 
little souvenirs and prize them as I do, nor real- 
ize how independent and selfish I can be within 
these four walls. They have made their homes 
and do not have to find a comfortable corner 
in the right locality with intelligent people. 
To fully understand this problem you must try 
to find a desirable, comfortable boarding-place 
in Washington. Try it. I have had many 
laughable experiences and some trials which I 
have made jokes of in time. I have graduated 
in experimenting, until I can tell by the vesti- 
bule, front door and hall whether to ask to 
see a room. I could write a book on looking 
for a comfortable home. No wonder I linger 
in china stores and stop to admire and examine 
rugs and linen. I long to make a home neat 
and clean — to make a real true, dear home. 
Well, my beau is to come tomorrow evening. 
I suppose he thinks I want to marry him. 


CHAPTER IV 


THE SECOND VISIT 

Just as handsome as before. Really, as I 
study his features I cannot find a flaw. His 
Continental costume is beautiful buff in color, 
has the cocked hat, and even buckles on his 
shoes. He is dignified and quiet and certainly 
is very kind and patient, for he allows me to 
talk all I wish and I become a Tennyson’s brook 
and go on and on. I think I told him every- 
thing — even took up my family one by one. 
Wonder what he thinks of my family? They 
are good Puritan stock, descendants from the 
Colonists. Also I told him all my dreams and 
memories of last night and he was patient 
throughout. Perhaps I should not have told 
him so much— surely he must think I want to 
marry. This worries me some, for you know 
the modest girl keeps back long the true voice 
of her love. The gentleness of her true 
womanly character is most irreproachable. I 
fear I have not been modest, for I told him 


Colonial Beau 


29 


much about myself and things I loved. He 
must know me very well. Now, why do I 
make that statement, when I really wish him 
to know me well? 

Marry — let me see, do I really want to 
marry? There are a good many points to 
weigh on that subject. I must think a moment. 
The man must have sunshine and a bright 
mind. I read the other day that great thoughts 
belong to him whose mind can hold them — 
surely this beau can hold his thoughts. Con- 
clude he must be great. “The great ones 
remain forever fascinating because never com- 
pletely understood. They are like nature — tell 
only half their history, part is untold.” 

Marry — let me think about that. A picture 
of a home I often visited in my childhood can 
never leave me. It is that of a father to whom 
nature gave a fine mind and unusually good 
business qualities, but who, with the inherited 
taste for liquor, became a failure and a dan- 
gerous man. A beautiful wife and children 
crouched in fear awaiting his return home. 
Blows were not uncommon, until in time the 
mother and little ones were taken by friends 
far away from that home where it was not safe 
for them to remain. The man’s life was a 


30 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


terrible failure — too sad to tell about. I have 
watched those children grow to men and 
women and make of themselves respected 
people. Their Yankee pluck enabled them to 
rise above all difficulties and claim for them- 
selves good, true places, such as every life has 
a right to; but it was a hard fight without a 
father’s assistance, and born with fear. Parents 
should never allow fear to enter a child’s life, 
for it will stand in his way always. Then, less 
than a week ago, on Saturday night, I saw a 
man intoxicated in the street car. He was a 
good-looking man, and sober would be thought 
respectable. As I saw him stagger from the 
car I thanked God I had no such husband to 
come home to me. My little room looks beau- 
tiful this minute, and my flower in the window 
is growing finely. How independent and free 
I am! — but I am awfully alone. Oh, good- 
ness! why did I think of that again? I seem 
to forget all my generous club friends and my 
club interests. I have been neglecting many 
things thinking about my beau. 

Now I must concentrate my thoughts on 
those clubs. We are soon to have elections of 
officers. I am president of one, treasurer of 
another and secretary of a third. Do not 


Colonial Beau 


31 


know, but think I better serve as a private for 
a while. I find officers must work to make a 
success. One gains by doing the work, for 
you learn a few things. I should like to do 
more in the Sunshine Society work. I must 
try to secure those books for the Sunday-school 
to send to that settlement of good people in 
Dixie-land. I must read more carefully that 
New Thought magazine in order to learn what 
they are trying to teach the world. You know 
we are all seekers after light. I should say 
New Thought teaches to collect and control 
thought and cultivate right thinking. It 
carries with it a breezy wholesomeness which 
makes us strong, and we are reminded that. 


‘‘Laugh and the world laughs with you ; 
Weep and you weep alone.” 


I am sure about one thing — my Colonial 
beau does not drink, chew or smoke, and never 
swears — why, of course not, how could such a 
dignified man swear? I tell you he is perfect, 
the only man I ever thought perfect — never 
changes, always the same. So why should he 
not make a successful life and a beautiful home 
like John and James have made? Those dear 
men, I see constantly their true lives. I have 


32 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


visited their beautiful homes and know and 
love their wives and children. I do not want 
their homes, and could not cheat them. I gave 
them no love and am glad I did not marry 
either, but I should like a home just like the 
ones they have made, for I am very much alone. 
No, there are my clubs and new beau. If his 
silence continues it looks as though I should be 
compelled to avail myself of the leap-year priv- 
ilege, the subject discussed at the opening of 
this book. How that boy would laugh! 


CHAPTER V 


CLUBS 

All those dear clubs have been very active, 
taking many hours of my time. We had the 
Suffrage Convention in February. Those fine 
women, with superior intelligence, place before 
us the subjects requiring the serious thought 
of the independent woman. They tell us in 
a spirited way how to improve all affairs of 
this nation and how to prepare men and women 
for the best and great things of life. 

Miss Anthony was with them — that dear 
woman, now loved by every one. The peer of 
all women. She quietly gave her interest and 
approval to the work of the convention. How 
long she has worked for this cause, so ridiculed 
long ago! Now there seems no argument 
against their movement and claims. 

One has only to read the book, “The Woman 
Who Toils,” to realize the need of spreading 
light and assistance to all mankind. Could 
there be anything more tragic than the lives 


34 


The Bachelor Girl's 


pictured in this book? — hopeless women and 
children, human lives simply sacrificed with 
long, hard hours of toil. Woman rebels and 
demands something better. The suffrage 
women will assist her by their serious research 
into the lives of women who toil for their bread. 

I am a bread-earner and yet do not connect 
myself with the suffrage movement. Why? 
Because a quiet woman in a dear little home 
is so strong in my feminine mind that I fear 
to intrude great affairs into that picture-home 
where there are flowers and a bird, and always 
a gentle peace. 

There is no logic in this reason, for a home 
and suffrage can work together with any sen- 
sible woman. The dear little home should be 
improved by the broad intelligence gained by 
intercourse with these ladies. A woman can 
take part in the suffrage movement and still 
remain queen of society with her influence of 
purity and refinement. We hear constantly of 
the new woman, but really there is no new 
woman. The woman of today is the epitome 
of all that has gone before in the expression of 
womankind — she is the evolvement of all that 
has existed in the feminine sphere. The woman 
of today, as the woman of the past, has her 


Colonial Beau 


35 


own tragedy, her own tender heart-history, her 
own longings and desires, and her own glad 
rejoicings. But the woman of today has 
gained, for she is better able to blend her 
increased intelligence with her intuitive knowl- 
edge and becomes the interpreter of all things. 

I fear my constant attention to my beau has 
somewhat interfered with my club work. Let 
me see. Those books have gone to the minister 
in North Carolina, we have furnished a larger 
amount of coal for families and shoes for 
school-children than usual. I hope next year 
to give more attention to the Sunshine Society. 
I have a club of fine girls and shall expect to 
make a better showing in the great work. Mrs. 
Alden, the president-general, is spreading this 
great work until it is mighty in strength and 
tremendous in numbers. It may grow to 
become the united charity work of the world 
some day. I am sure all will find interest in 
reading Mrs. Alden’s practical book just pub- 
lished, entitled “Woman’s Ways of Earning 
Money.” This book tells of the ordinary and 
unusual openings which invite women to 
become useful and independent. 

The Daughters of the American Revolution 
held their Thirteenth Annual Congress. This 


36 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


was a most harmonious Congress. The presi- 
dent-general, Mrs. Fairbanks, ruled with jus- 
tice, but with her usual kindly courtesy and 
consideration for all, which leaves a lasting 
good fellowship. One of the pleasant features 
of the Congress was the ovation given each day 
to Mrs. Fairbanks as she passed to and from 
the meetings escorted by the Minute-men. 

The real crowning glory of this session was 
the laying of the corner-stone for the Con- 
tinental Hall which will be erected by the 
Daughters. April 19, 1904, was the day 
selected to commemorate the battle of Lexing- 
ton. The Grand Lodge of Masons placed the 
corner-stone, with Masonic ceremony, using 
the gavel used by General Washington in 
laying the corner-stone of the United States 
Capitol. A box of records giving the history 
of the Daughters of the American Revolution 
from the beginning was placed in this stone. 
The Children and Sons of the American Revo- 
lution assisted with the ceremony. It was 
a very enthusiastic crowd, which cheered 
vociferously when the stone was placed, and 
with the children waving their beautiful flags, 
made a sight long to be remembered. 

The beautiful reception at the Corcoran Art 
Gallery was gorgeous. The elegant costumes, 


Colonial Beau 


37 


with the background of marble walls, and green 
plants artistically arranged, and myriads of 
electric lights made a scene of beauty and 
dazzling splendor. This reception gave the 
Daughters the most delightful way possible to 
view this gem of a gallery. I rather looked 
for a visit from Anne on this occasion, but she 
did not come. The Daughters held an inter- 
esting patriotic meeting on February 22. On 
this occasion we were reminded that few 
Americans knew the words or could sing our 
patriotic songs. I believe all present resolved 
then and there to learn the words of our 
National Hymn. (I wondered, if the spirit of 
our ancestors had been handed down — an 
aversion to music.) We have heard that our 
Puritan ancestors held music in light esteem. 
Many thought music an unchristian recreation 
and excluded it from their lives. Do we 
inherit this feeling and lack the right interest 
and appreciation in music? 


CHAPTER VI 


SPECULATING IN STOCKS 

I must look up the stock market to learn how 
much I have lost on Common Steel. 

I will tell my beau about my experience in 
dealing in stocks. I hear people around me 
talk about different kinds of stocks and great 
opportunities to make a fortune. All my 
friends want to help me make money. No 
wonder, for they fear they will have to provide 
a home for me in my old age. I often look at 
the doors of Louise Home and wonder if they 
will open to me some day when I am old and 
still alone. 

About my investments in stock. One year 
ago I bought five shares of Common Steel at 
$35, cost $175 — all my savings for that year. 
This stock is quoted now at $7, so I have lost 
$140, and they have passed their dividend. 
Two years ago Green Copper was represented 
as a great opportunity, so I put what I had 
saved that year into three shares at $40 each — 


Colonial Beau 


39 


it now sells for $10, so am $90 short on Green 
Copper and I am still living in a hall bed-room. 
This year I am putting $10 a month in an 
apartment house, and a friend who is in the 
real estate business told me the other day that 
there were about two hundred and fifty apart- 
ment houses in Washington and soon they 
would all be empty; that my company would 
fail because the building is so far out. They 
only promise 6 per cent, so I thought that 
reasonable and safe for me to venture. Oh, 
dear ! why won’t some one do this business for 
me — figures and business always did distress 
and rob me of all peace. The calculations on 
my investments make me weary. I think of 
the beautiful set of furs I wanted and did 
without to buy Common Steel, and the suit I 
needed but did without to buy Green Copper. 
My greatest dream of quick wealth was my 
investment in Texas oil. Every one was 
enthusiastic with great expectations and all had 
pictures of oil spouting hundreds of feet in the 
air — oil everywhere and great dividends filling 
( our pockets. Ah, great expectations! Alas, 
the manager ran away with all our money, 
never even starting a well to fill our bank 
account. They say we have a few feet of 


40 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


ground, but the oil is still deep hidden — it was 
difficult to reconcile this failure. 

My friends are anxious to assist me to make 
money, and just now I have a very special 
opportunity to buy some stock in a company 
which owns a whole mountain of gold in 
Arizona ! — nothing in the way of shipping the 
gold right down to nearest mint to have coined 
into money for the stockholders. It does look 
as though I had better do without a trip this 
summer and buy some of this stock, which will 
surely make me very rich in a few years. One 
of the directors will take me right in on the 
ground floor with the managers, also give me 
a special price. Oh, dear! what shall I do 
about this? I am so tired deciding business 
affairs that I believe I will marry my Colonial 
beau to have some one take care of money 
matters for me. Any way, I will tell my beau 
and have him decide for me. I am willing to 
rely upon his judgment, for I have decided he 
is a perfect man — he is a god! Yes, that is 
true, for I find he is the same yesterday, today 
and all the time — never changes. 

His third visit. He listened quietly to my 
story about my stock investments, and some 
way, after telling it all over to him, it sounded 


Colonial Beau 


41 


childish, my attempting to buy stocks. I am 
so helpless in such great affairs. I have con- 
cluded that women better do their work well, 
earn their salary, and spend it, then they will 
have some return. I will put that gold moun- 
tain in Arizona out of my mind and do what 
I wish to do — take my dear old mother to the 
St. Louis Fair. Two weeks there will fill her 
heart with pleasure to last all her life long, and 
in years to come she will sit and dream by her 
fireplace, in the quiet plantation home in Dixie- 
land, over the great sights at St. Louis and 
the many pleasures of investigating the won- 
derful displays from every country of the globe. 
Yes, that is best — I must not let my love and 
care come too late to this dear old mother. 


CHAPTER VII 


THE WHITE HOUSE 

I accompanied one of my club friends to the 
Army and Navy reception at the White House. 
Why did I not ask my Senator to send a card 
for my Colonial beau? This was surely a 
mistake, for just think what a striking figure 
he would have made — none of the Army and 
Navy uniforms could excel his. He carries 
himself erect like a king, and with his hand- 
some face and uniform would have made a 
striking figure. What a mistake that I did not 
have him for my companion on this occasion! 

It was a very beautiful reception. All the 
wives of the Cabinet officers stood in line with 
the President and Mrs. Roosevelt. The ladies 
in their elegant costumes and the men in uni- 
forms certainly constituted a handsome gather- 
ing. The music was delightful, the decorations 
artistic — a delight to the eye. The Army and 
Navy reception is considered the most brilliant 
of all the White House functions. We mixed 


Colonial Beau 


43 


with the crowd and found a few people we 
knew, thoroughly enjoying the gay scene, and 
returned home quite satisfied that we had the 
great pleasure of mixing with this gay and 
fashionable crowd. It is a personal gratifica- 
tion to once in a while have a little of the best 
in life. 

My hall-room almost smothered me on my 
return. Oh, what a contrast! “There was a 
silence in this room of dreams ; I had been 
listening to other stories.” My little French 
clock pointed to midnight, and I gave it a 
friendly pat, then looked at the flower in the 
window. It had a little white blossom. I 
bought this a few days ago. The flower was 
so small, simple and pure that I wanted it, but 
it was wicked for me to make it a prisoner here 
in this north window. Only my little moss, 
Picciola, keeps green and cheerful in the light 
of my north window. I don’t believe the rea- 
soning, intelligent human being can long send 
forth the cheer and sunshine the world needs 
while living in a room with only a north win- 
dow. My mind is playing all kinds of pranks 
at this midnight hour, and ideas come without 
effort. Reason tells me that bread-winners 
should be asleep, but my restless spirit must 
take a short cruise. 


44 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


I have thought of my ancestor Anne, and 
some way was expecting her all this evening. 
I have not told about her visit the night of the 
ball, but have grown convinced that I did have 
a visit from my ancestor Anne, for she not only 
told me she was my “Good Angel” and that I 
should have a beau, but also told me many 
family traditions which I have often heard. 
Let me see— Anne told me how she assisted 
the soldiers at Fort Griswold by giving them 
all the woolen clothing in her house to make 
wads for the guns, and gave a vivid sketch of 
this terrible battle when so many gallant men 
were slain ; how, directly after this engagement, 
they moved to western Massachusetts, where 
she lived with her daughters and one son, 
eight years old, while her husband and three 
sons were in the Revolutionary service. She 
told me of their trials and hardships and 
struggles for food and clothing while living 
in the little log house in the wood and smiled 
and said, “You know I sent four men to the 
war and my trials were forgotten in my interest 
for my warriors.” Then she smiled again 
when she said her four soldiers returned to 
her and that she had left to the world a fine 
family of boys and girls ; all had married and 


Colonial Beau 


45 


prospered, and their descendants were now scat- 
tered in many States. Her presence seemed 
strong, noble and real, and I am^usually sure 
she came to me, but sometimes a doubt conies 
and I question whether it was real or my fancy. 

I have just come in contact with some people 
who believe in spiritualism, and everything 
around me is quite psychic, so I may have 
imagined this visit. I rather wish she would 
return, though I was so frightened, and trem- 
bled for hours after she came before, but it 
would prove she really did come. Then, too, 
I should like her advice about my beau. This 
beau does not talk at all — to be sure, I talk all 
the time, leaving little opportunity, but really 
I would let him say a few words, and am long- 
ing for the sound of his voice. I will never let 
that bright young man know, but seriously it 
begins to look as though I should be forced to 
avail myself of the leap-year privilege and make 
a proposal of marriage to this great man. 

His silence is terrible. He never praises my 
new dresses, never a word of praise for any- 
thing. I grow impatient, while he continues 
as patient as ever. It is a queer infatuation. 
Can it be because I am forty and I fear this 
is my last opportunity? No, I should say not; 


46 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


it is because I have complete confidence in him. 
Just think, he will come only when I wish and 
I can talk all I desire — perfect bliss ! 

I wish Anne would come again and tell me 
about the pedigree of my beau. I am sure he 
descended from some great Colonial family, 
but he does not tell. Then she might help me 

to decide about marrying. Anne must 

have been a very brave woman, for, think of 
her home — a log house alone in the country — 
and compare it with this cozy corner, so care- 
fully protected. I don’t know but what this 
room excels those grand rooms at the White 
House. You see, there is no care here. 


CHAPTER VIII 


SPIRITUALISM AND CHRISTIAN SCIENCE 

I am hearing spiritualism from one friend 
and Christian Science from another these days 
— am weighing both. Spiritualism promises 
everything in the life to follow this one, which 
makes a beautiful dream, but I cannot see how 
they prove anything. They would say my 
ancestor appearing to me was sufficient to 
prove that spirits live and are with and about 
us constantly, only we are not able to recognize 
them. Did Anne return or was it my fancy 
and imagination ? Ah me, this is stranger 
than every-day life and beyond my comprehen- 
sion. If she should come again it might be 
strong proof of her presence in my life. Yes, 
I wish she would come. 

Anne was a wonderfully strong woman, full 
of Yankee management and thrift — like many 
other women of the Revolutionary period who 
made the memory of their lives sacred by their 
unselfish loyalty and endurance during those 


48 The Bachelor Girl’s 

trying days. As we read of the women of 
the Revolution it seems as though Providence 
had given them special qualities to keep the 
children and hearthstones and do a great part 
in this war for liberty. All must look back 
with increasing admiration for our National 
heroines as well as our heroes. Anne was not 
afraid, and lived alone with her little family 
without fear. She must have lived in full 
belief of what we in these days call Christian 
Science, for that is the first lesson taught, to 
put away all fear and recognize that in life all 
is harmony. I have some friends in this 
thought. They seem happier than other people 
and every countenance shows peace, love and 
acceptance — the kind that makes life better. 
The appearance of those believing in the 
Science would incline one to think they had 
learned the right way to live. 

I think I must tell an experience j over which 
I have thought very often. One Sunday morn- 
ing in April I was told we should have a guest 
for dinner and that the lady was a very fine 
medium, one who had a wide reputation for 
her psychic powers. This lady reached the 
city from Florida about an hour before dinner. 
I met her at the dinner table and am sure she 


Colonial Beau 


49 


never heard of me before ; I certainly had never 
heard of her until that morning. Very soon 
I noticed she turned her attention to me, and 
seemed to be watching without addressing me. 
Naturally I wondered if she saw Anne, and if 
she would come; and if so all these people 
would know about her coming to me before. 
After coffee was removed the medium turned 
to the hostess, saying she would like to speak 
to me, that there were some friends near 
asking to be recognized. She then said : “A 
distinguished gentleman, with laughing black 
eyes, stands back of you. He is always near 
you ; his name is William. On your right is a 
slender girl, a beautiful blonde, your sister; 
and on your left is an old lady with a very 
strong face, a managing woman; her name is 
Mary. I see a woman making an old-fashioned 
garden. She appears to be in this life. ,, She 
told me much more, but the above items stand 
out as particularly strange. 

It was queer how she gave me those names 
of my grandparents, William and Mary, and 
my mother had written the week before how 
she was changing and working in her flower 
garden — one of those old-fashioned Southern 
gardens. I do not believe I was thinking of the 


50 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


above persons, for I was certain she would 
bring Anne, but she did not. I rather like to 
think Anne comes only to me. If these spirits 
do come it should give quite a comfort to know 
we go on and on. 

Is there anything in all this ? Did I transmit 
to her through a subconscious mind all she 
told me? That is the question. We learn 
that sub-consciously we are carrying things 
over from one state of existence to another and 
in the same way give out things not known to 
us. This is all very strange. Will it ever be 
understood ? Is it a human wireless telegraphy 
which, developed by some higher art, may come 
within our understanding some day? The 
Bible tells of the voice of the spirit. Abraham 
went by spirit direction to the mountains to 
sacrifice his only son Isaac, and a spirit told 
him the goat was sent to be sacrificed to save 
the son, so the goat of the wilderness appeared 
and saved Isaac. 

I need Anne’s advice about marrying this 
Colonial beau. As he does not tell me about 
his affairs or his ancestors, how am I to know 
about giving up my salary? This room is a 
dear little corner, but my little white flower 
has ceased to bloom — few things can live long 


Colonial Beau 


51 


without sunshine. My Iceland moss, my prison 
flower, grows well. This is the only plant I 
have found that will thrive in a north window, 
so I have named it Picciola, like the prisoner’s 
flower. You all have read the beautiful but 
sad story of Picciola. Poor little prisoner, we 
have been good friends this long time. It 
cannot carry itself away to one of our beautiful 
parks and there sit and drink in the fresh air 
and sunshine as I can. It has only a north 
window, yet keeps green and cheerful. We 
used to hold long conversations, and I would 
tell it my dreams of a home with windows on 
all sides, sunshine all the day, and of the 
beautiful companions I should bring for its 
neighbors. Then it would be lonely no more. 
I have assured Picciola it should remain queen 
of all flowers always with me. Our usual 
social time has been somewhat interrupted by 
the time I have given my beau. You see, I 
would rather talk to that beau than any one 
living. This is surely a strong infatuation and 
I hope lasting. 


CHAPTER IX 


LENT 

Lent has come and with it those peaceful 
Lenten services at the quaint old St. John’s 
Church. This old church, with its beautiful 
windows, is so loved that it is hoped the same 
structure may remain a century. Here one 
can find silence, repose and rest from the 
material pursuits, and each can find the Divine 
order of his life in quiet meditation. Here 
our thoughts will carry us to a higher plane. 
After the quiet service one lingers in LaFayette 
Park by those grand old elm trees, with their 
beautiful long, drooping limbs, graceful as a 
willow tree. I often wonder if these trees have 
souls. We know each tree has a heart and life ; 
so I sometimes call each tree a planet and the 
leaves its people. Here you can sit quietly and 
watch the grass and early flowers grow. How 
natural flowers and trees grow — no effort or 
pain — there is no standing still in nature. The 
simple service and prayer, the quiet rest from 


Colonial Beau 


53 


care makes you glad with all the world. All 
have so many things which demand atten- 
tion and care that sometimes one may cease to 
think of God. The greatest peril, perhaps, of the 
present day is fortune-seeking, and in the great 
rush the body is worn out and life empty, but 
when the courage and strength of the body are 
overtaxed and the soul comes to face the end, 
then prayer is their help and comfort. It is best 
to have time and freedom to enjoy God’s world 
every day, as during Lent at St. John’s Church. 

Another day, after the service, I took a long 
ride into the country to find some arbutus, with 
its faint blush that will touch your heart. 
Commune with this woody flower and it will 
tell only the truth, and its atmosphere will 
carry you close to your Creator, and you will 
feel His wisdom and power. The grass grows 
along the roadside and the grand old trees 
throw out their sprays of green. There are no 
doubts about the trees, grass and flowers, but 
a calm sweetness pervades all. The content- 
ment and tenderness of nature is always a 
lesson to people. It turns one’s thoughts to the 
age when we were natural and free. One will 
return to childhood with its health, joys and 
tears. Youth, hopeful youth, full of ambition 


54 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


— has it all gone at forty ? It is difficult at that 
age to smile always, but I bless God there has 
been so much joy in my life, so many memories 
which give me joy to possess. I return home 
refreshed from one of these long car rides, and 
have a good dinner, then go to my little room to 
water Picciola and talk to the little one. This 
dear flower never tells my secrets and no com- 
plications will ever follow my heart-to-heart 
talks with Picciola. 

A few drops of rain fall and I place the 
flower out on the roof. I haven’t told you that 
my north window looks out on a roof painted 
red. I do not mind this in the least, for I 
seldom see it — I am very little in my room in 
the daytime. The rain patters on the roof and 
I think of the many years full of love, toil, duty 
and sorrow since I was in the country home 
and heard the rain patter on the roof over that 
garret room when childhood was so happy. 

I have a sense of peace and self-protection 
and survey my corner contentedly. My con- 
science approves my deeds and I am free from 
care, but every woman wants the repose that 
comes with the protection of her own home 
and the devotion of a husband. I fear with- 
out these one must find only loneliness and 
desolation. 


CHAPTER X 


THE SECRET 

Oh, what a dreadful burden for a woman 
to carry — a secret! I have had a secret all 
through this story. It has been said a woman 
cannot keep a secret. Have I kept it? Let 
me tell you; it is about my Colonial beau. 
You know we guard those near and dear to 
us, so I have tried to keep this secret. 

Perhaps I have an exaggerated sense of my 
own capacity in thinking I could manage every- 
thing to include this Colonial beau, but I must 
own I have failed to make him talk. I have 
failed utterly to bring forth a word or gesture 
or a sparkle to his eye. One by one my hopes 
have faded away. He listens to my chatter 
just as patiently as at first, and I have told him 
all my dreams of that little picture-home with 
flowers in the back yard; all about my stock 
investments. I have now about $400 in these 
great expectations, but shall never put another 
penny in anything cheap, so my speculations 


56 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


are over, as I have little money. I have even 
sung Hawaiian songs to him. Have you ever 
heard the Hawaiian songs ? They quite touch 
the heart with their sympathy and sweet 
melody. They tell us music is the only reality 
in the world — and still he is silent. 

I am disappointed that I cannot bring life to 
this perfect man, for he is the only perfect man 
I have ever known. Ah, dear ! I must tell my 
secret, and all my hopes and dreams are shat- 
tered. But the delusion must go. Many of my 
failures are not excusable, but this failure was 
inevitable, for how could I bring life to only a 
bisque Colonial beau. So perfect and hand- 
some, possessing all the patience I have given 
him, forgive me if I have dreamed long dreams 
with him. You will agree with me, it has been 
harmless. It has not been my lot to find many 
possessed of such patience and then I was sure 
I could trust him. His countenance indicates 
all the fine character I have pictured for him. 

All my dreams and fancies are slowly fading. 
They pass like a shadow, leaving only peace 
and contentment. All is well and right in my 
life. 

It would be well if there were no disappoint- 
ments in life more terrible than the realization 


Colonial Beau 


57 


that my Colonial beau is only china, to be 
handled with great care, for with a little fall 
it is shattered and broken in pieces and all its 
perfectness is gone, like our dreams and hopes, 
when broken become our failures. 

Does that sound pathetic; that I can only 
have in my life a china beau? No, it is not. 
It is restful — no cares or trials. The world 
might say I was uninteresting and unattractive. 
I think not wholly so ; at least my friends give 
me a place and consideration in their lives. 
Perhaps I am selfish with my time, etc., and 
say too often some kinds of failures are better 
than success. 

Was it not bright in Mrs. to buy me a 

china Colonial beau, for you know she said 
that I must have a beau if I remained in her 
house. Now I have a handsome beau to keep, 
and at the same time a beautiful ornament for 
my mantel. 


CHAPTER XI 


ANNE APPEARS AGAIN 

Anne came again. This time I had no fear, 
but was delighted. Who says ghosts do not 
come back? Anne was stern and looked very 
haughty while she gave me some good advice — 
to take a small flat, not in such an aristocratic 
part of the city as I now live. Wonder if I 
can do that and have my beautiful mother come 
and make a home. I know this advice is right 
and good. How the dear mother will appre- 
ciate the church privileges and enjoy the con- 
certs and lectures here in this National city! — 
also she may enjoy my clubs some. 

I shall have to save all my money to buy 
furniture. There goes my trip for this year 
and next, and in fact I doubt if I ever can have 
any more trips, but I can have a home, be very 
independent, and have just what we like to eat. 
I shall follow these directions given by my 
ancestor, who tells me she is my angel spirit. 
How fortunate that I am an American, for 


Colonial Beau 


59 


American and English ladies can have fine 
establishments independent of husbands — 
while the French woman remains a minor 
unless married, and retires from the world to 
convents simply because unmarried. 

Yes, I will make a home myself and will take 
a flat in that apartment house where I own 
three shares of stock. You see, that will help 
to pay the dividends I hope to receive. Ah me ! 
I had wanted some one to furnish the home, 
and I should try so hard to make it a true home 
for that husband — but we are told that “many 
of the soul’s sweetest songs were never sung,” 
and “even the greatest have their limitations.” 
If I could teach this world but one thing I 
would rather than anything else that would be 
how to love more. “You need more love given 
you, whoever you are, so I send you mine, who- 
ever you are” — please send me yours. 

Judge me for what I wished to be and 
remember only what is good in my pictures. 
Some show a little grief and broken hopes, but 
it is necessary for all to have sorrows to under- 
stand the needs of other lives. “Let no one 
pity one’s self.” Remember the inevitable 
comes from God. 

The Scientists tell us no one can harm us but 
ourselves ; that all is planned for our good ; that 


60 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


fear is our destroyer; that to live in the present 
without too great an ambition is to live in the 
future. “Those who tread wisely the middle 
path of existence will approach nearest the 
ideal happiness and gain the harmony and 
beauty of the inner world which gains access 
to life where trouble and care are excluded.” 

It is well for woman to remember that nearly 
every profession known to the world is open 
to the bachelor-girl today, and they have been 
quick to take advantage of their opportunities. 
Many years ago her sphere was embodied in 
the home, marriage was her only goal ; but now 
she is no longer dependent in any way, and yet 
though independent, still it is a strong desire in 
woman to be wanted by some one, and we want 
some one to keep who is our own. But can we 
keep anything in this life. All nature changes — 
the trees lose their leaves and the flowers fade ; 
and so it must be in life, a constant change — 
nothing to keep. 

Think of me in the dearest little flat, with 
flowers and a bird. What fun I have had 
buying pretty things for this home. I lingered 
in the china stores and spent hours selecting 
rugs and curtains. My dear, unselfish mother 
gave her approval to all my wishes. Yes, it is 


Colonial Beau 


61 


right I should make this home, as no one comes 
into my life to go down the shady side of life 
as my good companion. I will make this home 
and grow strong alone, like the tree or flower. 
I will put away all longings and not shudder 
at the approach of autumn alone, but remember 
I came into the world alone, lived alone and 
must die alone. 

We will have the best time possible, my 
mother and I. We certainly have every oppor- 
tunity, with many advantages and kind friends. 
Think of us sitting in our little sitting-room 
by the table covered with books. We have just 
finished reading The Evening Star, and mark- 
ed two bargains which we must investigate to- 
morrow ; we still have some furnishing to buy 
for this little home. My mother and I look 
around our room and say we are glad of life 
to work and play and love. We say the charm 
of life is living now, the past is ended — we have 
only now, only today, with tomorrow ahead. 
We will make this small place peaceful, happy 
and full of content, and try to show considera- 
tion to other lives by some kindness of heart 
and gentleness of manner. “Be not ashamed to 
do even a little good.” 


62 


The Bachelor Girl’s 


This bachelor-girl has a home, and a beau 
who never utters a word of reproach, and he 
will remain always and never change. Picciola 
is queen of my little collection of flowers, and 
this little prison flower still remains fresh 
and cheerful Flowers return every spring to 
brighten all the world with their beauty. They 
tell naught of your confidence, but give only 
peace and beauty to the world. “Could I 
understand thee, little flower, then I would 
understand life.” 

You may tell the bright young man I did 
not take advantage of woman’s leap-year priv- 
ilege, but have a home and am not alone. 

This Bachelor Girl’s reveries must cease, for 
I am now very much absorbed in compiling a 
cook-book, and as I must test all my recipes, all 
housewives will understand I am having an in- 
teresting and exciting time — that I am too ac- 
tive for reveries. 

This is such a heart-of-heart dream that I 
cannot sign my own name. I am not ashamed 
of the womanly longings and desires, but fear 
the criticism. Some will be justly given, but 
you all know it is hard to take truthful criticism 
on your heart’s desires. So I send out into the 


Colonial Beau 


63 


world my first creation, my first child, clothed 
in pure womanly dreams and desires, without 
my name, but under the name of my “Good 
Angel Spirit,” 


Anne. 








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